Write Club Podcast

Bestselling author Kandi Steiner joins us to talk about her iconic novel, A Love Letter to Whiskey. Kandi tells us about her recent Writing Magazine article, "Turning your life into fiction," exploring where her diverse story ideas come from and how she keeps her characters so beautifully flawed. We discuss the catharsis of writing, Kandi’s typical writing day in Tennessee, and her unique path to publication. Kandi shares how she protects the real people in her life while staying authentic to her story, and why she believes the "magic" of writing happens when we share our most vulnerable moments.Plus, Kandi shares her current book recommendations and what’s next for her readers.Check out A Love Letter to Whiskey or preorder Kandi’s new hockey romance novel, Stand your Ground, which is out on 9th April 2026. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

How do you move from the ‘low-stakes’ comfort of a magical tea shop to a claustrophobic, dark submersible filled with a deadly virus? In this episode, USA Today and Sunday Times bestseller Rebecca Thorne joins Mary and Beth to discuss her latest release, This Gilded Abyss. We dive into the mechanics of world-building, how to maintain romantic tension in high-stakes settings, and Rebecca’s top advice for writers struggling to tackle the blank first page.Purchase This Gilded Abyss now. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Write Club Podcast, we’re joined by Edgar Award–winning author Deepa Anappara, whose debut Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line was named one of the best books of the year by major publications worldwide. We talk about her journey from journalism to fiction, the inspiration and research behind her new novel The Last of Earth, writing dual storylines, developing vivid characters, and how creative writing courses can shape your craft. A rich, practical conversation for writers at every stage.Purchase Deepa’s debut novel, Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line or her latest novel The Last of Earth This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Write Club Podcast, we’re joined by award-winning author Anna Mazzola, who also writes thrillers under the pen name Anna Sharpe. Anna’s work is known for its atmosphere, urgency and moral depth.We talk about her CWA Gold Dagger–winning novel The Book of Secrets, her latest thriller Notes on a Drowning, named Thriller of the Month by The Times, Daily Mail, i-Paper and Express, and how real-world scandals, power, and injustice shape her fiction.Anna also shares how she balances writing with her work as a human rights and criminal justice solicitor, offers practical advice on finding writing time and discusses writing across genres.Buy Anna’s latest thriller, Notes on a Drowning, now. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

This week on the Write Club Podcast, Mary and Beth chat with debut novelist Linda Rosewood, author of A Circle Outside - a comic, feminist novel set among a 1980s coven in the Californian forest.Born in California and now living in Ireland, Linda writes with wit, warmth, and political bite about lesbian culture, history, and resistance. In this conversation, she talks about the origins of A Circle Outside, the inspiration behind its unforgettable characters, and how she balances humour with darker social themes and moments of magical realism.Linda also reflects on writing queer history into fiction, creating authentic characters, and the powerful symbolism in her novels - including the striking redwood circle that frames the story. A thoughtful, funny, and deeply engaging episode for writers and readers interested in feminist fiction, queer storytelling, and writing that dares to be both playful and political.Get your copy of A Circle Outside now. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

Samantha talks us through the inspiration behind The Foreshore, exploring how she researched its rich historical setting and crafted such a vivid sense of place. We dive into the art of building foreboding and tension, and discuss an important moment in her publishing journey - receiving feedback that her novel was “too dark”, and how writers can navigate criticism while staying true to their creative vision.We also chat about Samantha’s background, her route to publication, what a typical writing day looks like (if such a thing exists!), and what she’s working on next. As always, we finish with a book recommendation for your ever-growing TBR pile.Buy The Foreshore here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Write Club Podcast, Beth and Mary are joined by author, editor, and speaker Ann Morgan, whose work invites readers to look beyond comfort zones and question how - and why - we read the way we do.Ann rose to international attention after setting herself the challenge of reading a book from every country in the world, an experience that led to a TED Talk and her acclaimed non-fiction book Reading the World. She has since published two novels, Beside Myself and Crossing Over, and her latest non-fiction work, Relearning to Read: Adventures in Not-Knowing, puts curiosity, uncertainty, and self-reflection at the heart of the reading experience.Together, we discuss recognising our own blind spots and biases as readers, why moments of irritation or resistance can be powerful learning tools, and the importance of challenging narrow ideas about who books are “for”.Buy your copy of Relearning to Read: Adventures in Not-Knowing This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

Amanda shares her journey as a neurodiverse writer, the challenges and triumphs she’s faced, and how her unique perspective fuels her creativity. We speak about the mission behind Reconcile Creative, discussing the importance of inclusive support systems in the writing world.She tells us the story behind her impactful book, The Healing Workbook: Tips and Guided Exercises to Help Overcome Trauma, including her route to publication and what inspired her to write it.We explore further into Amanda’s creative process, discussing her writing routines, including her experience with Morning Pages from The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, and how she balances her multifaceted roles with her passion for writing.Get a copy of The Healing Workbook: Tips and Guided Exercises to Help Overcome Trauma This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

In this week’s episode of The Write Club Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome the brilliant debut novelist Daria Lavelle. Daria’s debut novel, Aftertaste - a dark comedy about food, ghosts, and the New York culinary scene - landed in May 2025 and has already made waves for its unique blend of sharp humour, sensory storytelling, and moving reflections on grief and memory.She talks us through her 20-year journey to publication, the inspiration behind her unforgettable protagonist Konstantin, and how taste and food help her unlock creative ideas. We also discuss the challenge of balancing comedy with emotional depth, writing about loss, and her approach to the uncanny.Buy Aftertaste. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

With a career spanning fiction, mentoring, and education, Ian brings a wealth of experience to the table. As a Fellow of the Royal Literary Fund at the University of East London and a regular columnist for Writing Magazine, he’s dedicated to helping writers at all levels improve their craft.Join us as Ian shares his journey to becoming a writer, from discovering his voice to navigating the path to publication. He reflects on the influence of East London in his stories, offers advice for aspiring authors, and provides practical tips on overcoming obstacles, developing characters, and refining your craft. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

This week on the Write Club Podcast, we’re joined by Melanie Blake, bestselling author and former talent agent. Melanie talks to us about her fascinating journey from working in the entertainment industry to creating the hit Ruthless trilogy, including the latest instalment, Vengeful Women.Discover how she draws inspiration from real-life experiences while crafting gripping commercial fiction, her tips for developing strong, memorable characters, and how she found her unique writing style. Listen now and take a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a bonkbuster!Buy Vengeful Women. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

This week on the Write Club Podcast, Mary and Beth chat with novelist and journalist Zoe Apostolides, author of The Homecoming - beautifully eerie and emotionally rich debut that has captivated us this Halloween season.Zoe talks us through:🏚️ The inspiration behind Elver House, and how physical spaces can mirror emotional and cognitive decline🧠 Memory, legacy, and dementia as central themes in her novel🐍 Why she chose eels - yes, eels! - as a recurring, unsettling symbol🦠 How writing during lockdown shaped the book’s tone of isolation📚 Her evocative writing style, route to publication, and what she’s working on nextThis episode is full of insight for writers who love atmospheric fiction, rich symbolism, and stories anchored in a strong sense of place.If you’re interested in haunted houses, slow-building dread, and the craft of writing deeply layered fiction, this is an episode you’ll love.Buy The Homecoming. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

Join Mary and Beth on the latest episode of the Write Club Podcast as they chat with Harriett De Mesquita, author of The Magickal Summer of Evie Edelman. Harriett chats to us about how writing became a form of self-expression long before her adult autism diagnosis and how newfound self-knowledge has transformed her creative process.From exploring the role of voice in diary-style storytelling to discussing her experiences with synesthesia, Harriett shares how her unique perspective informs her characters and narrative. She also talks about the importance of featuring a misunderstood protagonist, her journey to publication, and offers a book recommendation for fellow writers and readers.Buy The Magickal Summer of Evie Edelman. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

In this gripping episode of the Write Club Podcast, Beth and Mary sit down with international bestselling author Lucie Whitehouse to explore the dark and fascinating world of crime fiction.Lucie talks to us about her brand-new novel, The Last Witness - the third in her acclaimed Robin Lyons series - and discusses how she weaves psychological tension, moral complexity, and real-world power dynamics into every page.This episode is a brilliantly honest, inspiring conversation about balancing research with emotion, the difference between crime and psychological suspense, and how Lucie keeps her readers guessing until the very end.If you’re a fan of sharp, character-driven thrillers - or dreaming of writing one yourself - this episode is not to be missed.🎙️ Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.Buy The Last Witness. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

Gytha takes us behind the scenes of her latest novel - a dark, twist-filled story of love, betrayal, and survival set in Cambridge’s shadowy academic world. She opens up about stepping away from her beloved series, the challenges of writing when real life mirrors fiction a little too closely, and how she rediscovered her creative flow.We also explore her remarkable career as a playwright, video game writer, and novelist, discuss the art of crafting killer twists, and explore what it takes to keep readers hooked across multiple books.Whether you’re a fan of Gytha’s DCI Jonah Sheen crime series or simply love a smart, propulsive thriller, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and plenty of writing wisdom.Buy Dead to Me. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

Originally a sell-out talk at the Bournemouth Writing Festival, Organising Chaos has become a must-attend session for writers struggling to bring structure, clarity, and confidence to their early drafts. Gary, an experienced editor and writer, and Sophie, author and director of Cadence Publishing, share how the idea was born, their top tips for re-inspiring your writing brain, and why every writer’s process looks a little different.The conversation also explores the thriving Bournemouth writing scene, the importance of creative community, and how to stay productive when motivation runs low.Whether your draft feels like a disaster or you just need a fresh push to the finish line, this episode is packed with encouragement, practical advice, and wisdom from two people who truly understand the writer’s journey.Book your spot on Organising Chaos now - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/organising-chaos-with-gary-dalkin-and-sophie-beal-tickets-1511499097489?aff=oddtdtcreator This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

Simon discusses his latest novel, The Room of Lost Steps - the sequel to The Palace at the End of the Sea - which follows Theodore Sterling’s extraordinary journey from 1930s New York to Civil War Spain.Together, they explore the immense research behind Simon’s sweeping historical duology, how he structures complex projects without losing confidence or momentum, and what it’s like growing up in the shadow (and inspiration) of a literary legend.Tune in for a fascinating conversation about history, storytelling, and the discipline of writing across worlds - both real and imagined.Buy The Palace at the End of the Seaor Buy The Room of Lost Steps (book 2) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

In this month’s Write Club Book Club episode, Beth and Mary discuss Buckeye by Patrick Ryan - a sweeping post-war novel set in small-town America that explores love, secrets, forgiveness, and the long shadows of the past.They unpack Ryan’s richly drawn characters, the powerful sense of place in Bonhomie, Ohio, and how war, disability, and spirituality shape the intertwined lives of two families across generations. Expect a lively discussion full of empathy, literary insight, and big questions about what it means to seek redemption - and home - in an imperfect world.Perfect for readers who love multi-generational stories, heartfelt drama, and the kind of writing that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page.Featured book: Buckeye by Patrick Ryan This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

Join Beth and Mary on this week’s episode of the Write Club Podcast, where we go behind the pages and into the fascinating world of writing. Our guest is the multi-talented Bibi Berki - a fiction and non-fiction writer, podcaster, and creator of the acclaimed audio series The Kiss.Bibi talks about her journey from news reporting to storytelling in novels and audio, and how her debut novel The Watch — shortlisted for the Lucy Cavendish Prize — gave her the confidence to explore different formats. She also discusses her latest release, The Youngster (Deixis Press, August 2025), a tense literary domestic thriller shaped by the Covid lockdowns and set in South East London.Tune in to hear Bibi on:* The influence of place and atmosphere on her writing* The emotional challenges of crafting a domestic thriller* Her approach to storytelling for audio versus print* Collaboration, creative experimentation, and her future projects* And her top book and audio recommendationsListen now and get inspired to tell your story!Buy The Youngster This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe

Danny coaches teams and pitches multi-million-dollar deals to some of the world’s biggest brands, blending creativity, psychology, storytelling, and immersive experiences. He also hosts the Pitch Masters podcast and is the author of Pitch, a guide to mastering the art of selling ideas.Danny shares his journey to becoming The Pitch Guy, explores why so many people fear pitching, and reveals practical tips to help writers confidently pitch their work. From externalising your novel’s themes to flipping your mindset and enjoying the process, this episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to get their writing noticed. Plus, Danny shares his top piece of advice and a recent book recommendation for listeners.Danny’s book Pitch is out now. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersonline.substack.com/subscribe